Glass in the Airways: A Bronchoscopic Challenge

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Gastroenterology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Foreign body aspiration (FBA) in adults is an underrecognized condition, increasing with age due to cognitive decline and impaired swallowing.
• Symptoms range from acute asphyxiation to subtle signs like cough and dyspnea, often mimicking other respiratory conditions.
• Diagnostic challenges arise from varied presentations and non-specific symptoms, necessitating a high index of suspicion.

Observation:

• A 64-year-old female presented with a foreign object in the right lower lobe of her lung.
• Initial assessment required careful consideration due to the non-specific respiratory symptoms.

Findings:

• Radiographic imaging was used to localize the foreign body within the airway.
• Flexible bronchoscopy enabled direct visualization and successful removal of the foreign object.

Implications:

• Prompt diagnosis and removal of airway foreign bodies are crucial to prevent serious complications.
• Flexible bronchoscopy is an effective tool for both diagnosing and treating adult FBA.
• This case highlights the importance of considering FBA in older adults with unexplained respiratory symptoms.